After the contest deadline (December 2, 2011), we evaluated the submissions and eliminated all technically flawed images, such as those with date stamps or low resolution. Despite technical flaws, many of these images were otherwise outstanding.

Next, two fire safety experts reviewed the images to ensure that they did not show unsafe firefighting practices (unless that was their purpose). If an unsafe practice was evident, we disqualified the image from competition.

Lastly, three judges reviewed, scored, and ranked the remaining images based on traditional photography criteria. They asked questions such as: